Equip Mental Health Services

24/03/2026

Access to mental health and addiction support is shifting across Aotearoa - and the latest data tells an important story.

In 2024/25, 183,356 people used specialist mental health and addiction services, 6,072 more than the year before, and the highest since 2020/21. Highlights from the report:

➡️ Overall access improved, but fell for 19–24-year-olds

➡️ Wait times are shorter for mental health than addiction services

➡️ More staff on board has helped speed up access

➡️ Māori continue to access services at higher rates, with shorter waits and more direct referrals.

You can explore the full report here 👉 https://www.mhwc.govt.nz/news-and-resources/mental-health-and-addiction-service-monitoring-2026-downloads/

What stands out to you in this data - the progress, or the gaps that remain?

This new data summary provides updated data on access and trends for mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa New Zealand.

20/03/2026

March 20 is International Day of Happiness - established in 2012, to promote happiness and wellbeing of all peoples as a fundamental human goal.

In 2015, the United Nations launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals to make people's lives happier. Then these 7 main missions were established in 2021:

- Happiness as a fundamental human right and goal for all
- Happiness as a universal aspiration in the lives of all
- Happiness as a way of living, being, and serving communities and society
- Happiness as a north star for individuals, communities, governments, and society.
- Happiness path toward achieving the sustainable development goals
- Happiness as a "new paradigm' for human development
- Worldwide celebration of the international day of happiness that is democratic, diverse, organic, and inclusive

We could all do with taking a moment to celebrate, promote, spread, manifest, in any way you can… a little happiness.

Please spare a thought as well, for everyone throughout the world, whose current circumstances make celebrating happiness, a goal for the future.

Moemoeā ngā wawata

05/03/2026

"Oftentimes the older generation comes from an era where you don't talk about your mental health. It's just 'get on with it' or 'toughen up'. So it's also a journey for them trying to open up about their mental health and be comfortable to talk about it." - Lanie Palm, Equip

Wonderful to hear our kaimahi, Lanie Palm, alongside Janeta Vasega from Vaka Tautua on episode 2, season 2 of The Difference, produced by Te Pou.

Lanie shares about her mahi with Equip’s Older Adult Support Service and some of the experiences of many in our older adult community.

https://www.equip.net.nz/how-we-help/older-adult-community-support/

Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou to everyone involved in this important mahi.

Listen or watch here:

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0z3qaYEFQkmmUEA44PdRUV

YouTube https://youtu.be/6V0O83wKiX8

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/they-still-want-to-be-seen-they-still-want-to-be-heard/id1815844646

Mental Health Podcast · The Difference is a podcast by and for support workers in mental health and addiction in Aotearoa New Zealand. Hosted by Te Pou project lead Alexia Black, this four-episode series dives into the real…

04/03/2026

Looking for something to get you moving this month? Take a look at

Move for Mental Health : Make a donation today to support Move for Mental Health

28/01/2026

Practising gratitude is a way of bringing mindfulness into your everyday life. Mindfulness is connected to positive outcomes in our mental health and overall well-being. The science behind it shows that Mindfulness helps with emotional regulation and calming the part of our brain that handles stress improving your mood, focus and memory.

So where do you start?

Focus on the positive aspects of your day, important people, nature, personal strengths, past happy memories, and future possibilities.

Write about the little things. Simple pleasures. Moments of peace. Challenges you’ve overcome. This helps to foster a mindset of gratefulness. Remember to acknowledge small acts of kindness, appreciate your body’s functions, and reflect on how challenges offer learning experiences.

Feel like sharing one of your journal entries? We'd love to hear. Comment below!

26/01/2026

Looking for a new podcast? Check out our recommendations in our Kete Hauora / Wellness Hub. Head to the link in bio or go to https://www.equip.net.nz/wellness-resources/

21/01/2026

Thinking of everyone affected by the current weather events. 🌧️

It’s understandable to feel anxious even if you aren’t directly impacted.

If you feel overwhelmed, try to focus on what you can control. That might look like tidying one space, going for a walk, calling a neighbour, friend or whanau or cooking a familiar meal. The smallest steps can help your body feel safer.

Notice and name any emotions and take breaks from social media or the news when you need to.

If you need some tools for managing stress head to our Kete Hauora https://www.equip.net.nz/wellness-resources and if you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to your support networks or a helpline - you’re not alone.

21/01/2026

To those who are grieving, please know you’re not alone. Our gentle, kind, and experienced Waves facilitators are here to support you through this journey.

Waves is an 8 week support programme designed to support those navigating a tragic loss.

Simply send us an email or give us a call to find out more.

09 477 0338
office@equip.net.nz

18/01/2026

Our Kete Hauora | Wellness Hub is here for when you need a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, or rest your mind.

Inside are simple, everyday ways to care for your ngākau, hinengaro, and connections with others.

Take what helps to your own kete hauora as you go.

Simple ideas and resources that can help top up your hauora - your wellbeing. Think of it as a kete (basket) you can dip into whenever you need a reminder to slow down, breathe, or find a moment of calm.